Capital Region News

Briskin Gets Prison Time

by WGY News

Traci Briskin, 39, is sentenced to 2 ½ to 7 ½ for manslaughter after she drove drunk and killed a Charlton man, according to Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy.

Back on November 30, 2012, Briskin was speeding, weaving back-and-forth over the center line and ran a stop sign before she slammed into a car driven by Thomas Baker, 49, who died as a result of his injuries. Authorities say she never even touched her brakes on Jockey Street in Charlton when she hit Baker, who was driving on Route 67 and had the right of way.

Baker was taken to Albany Medical Center and in the intensive care unit for less than a month, dying two days before Christmas.

Saratoga County Court Judge Jerry Scarano sentenced Briskin, of Clifton Park, to state prison after she was convicted in a jury trial for Manslaughter (2nd Degree, Class-C Felony), and Driving While Ability Impaired (a violation).

Baker’s wife Tracey Baker spoke Monday in court about how this crime and Briskin's actions have affected Tracey Baker's life and the lives of their five children (four girls, one boy).

In a statement, Murphy said, "I am pleased Judge Scarano sentenced the defendant to up to 7 years in prison. When someone drives a car, is speeding, weaving, taking her eyes off the road, is impaired by alcohol and then claims she is the victim, it is simply outrageous. A message of responsibility and deterrence was sent by the judge today and I hope she realizes the devastating consequences that have resulted to the Baker family as a result of the choices she made."